Brave Ballerina : The Story of Janet Collins

A lyrical picture book tribute to Janet Collins, the first African American principal dancer at the Metropolitan Opera House.

Janet Collins wanted to be a ballerina in the 1930s and 40s, a time when racial segregation was widespread in the United States. Janet pursued dance with a passion, despite being rejected from discriminatory dance schools. When she was accepted into the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo as a teenager on the condition that she paint her skin white for performances, Janet refused. She continued to go after her dreams, never compromising her values along the way. From her early childhood lessons to the height of her success as the first African American prima ballerina in the Metropolitan Opera, this is the story of a remarkable pioneer.

Michelle Meadows is the author of Hibernation Station, Piggies in Pajamas, and Super Bugs. She dances with her husband as much as possible. She lives in Delaware and loves to write at the beach.

Ebony Glenn is an Atlanta-based illustrator who enjoys bringing stories to life with whimsical imagery. With a passion for the arts and great storytelling, she aspires to make art that will incite more beauty, wonder, and magic into people’s lives. She also loves to draw ballerinas.